NFL

Giants select Andru Phillips with third-round pick in 2024 NFL Draft to bolster cornerback depth

The Giants went into the second day of the NFL draft with an obvious need for a cornerback. 

They took a safety, Tyler Lubin, in the second round and, in the third, with the No. 70 overall pick, they selected Andru Phillips from Kentucky, a cornerback who figures to battle for immediate playing time.

A run on cornerbacks in the second round — four straight went off the board from picks 41, 42, 43 and 44 — left most of the top-end prospects off the board. 

Andru Phillips could compete for immediate playing time with the Giants. AP
The Giants have used two of their three picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on defensive backs. AP

Thus, the Giants waited until the third round to get Phillips. 

They brought him into their facility for a top-30 visit, and so they were on this player for quite a while.

The depth chart at cornerback is not deep. 

Deonte Banks, the 2023 first-round pick, went through a successful rookie season as a starter. 

His running mate, Adoree’ Jackson, is unsigned and a free agent

Two returnees, Cor’Dale Flott and Darnay Holmes, are more suited to playing inside in the slot. 

Andru Phillips played college football at Kentucky. AP

Nick McCloud is back, as is Tre Hawkins, who won a starting job last season as a rookie but lost it after only two games.

Phillips played in 29 games for Kentucky and did not have a single interception.